Bite Force of 3-6-Year-Old Children After Unilateral Extraction of Primary Teeth

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the bite force of 3-6-year-old children in primary dentition period after unilateral extraction of a primary first molar (D) and its correlation with the height, weight, gender, type of occlusion, and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty children between the ages of 3 and 6 years with a unilaterally extracted D comprised our case group, and 29 age-matched children with no extracted teeth comprised the control group. The maximum bite force at the site of posterior teeth was measured using a bite force measuring device with a 0.2-mm thickness and 3-cm diameter, attached to a strain-gage sensor. Each child bit the sensor with maximum force for 3 seconds, and this was repeated three times at 10-minute intervals. The mean value was calculated. Data were analyzed using SPSS 18 software program via generalized estimating equation (GEE). RESULTS: the bite force on the side of extraction was significantly lower than that on the contralateral side (P<0.05). Also, the bite force was significantly correlated with the height, gender, and age, but the correlations between the bite force and weight, type of occlusion and side of the jaw were not significant (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Extraction of primary first molars decreases the bite force on the respective side of the jaw.